What's Required Federal and State Regulations Psychological services as a related service, according to IDEA, includes:
administering psychological and educational tests, and other assessment procedures
interpreting assessment results
obtaining, integrating, and interpreting information about student behavior and conditions relating to learning
consulting with other staff members in planning school programs to meet the special educational needs of students as indicated by psychological tests, interviews, direct observation, and behavioral evaluations
planning and managing a program of psychological services, including psychological counseling for student and parents
assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies
Psychological services are generally provided by an LSSP or psychologist, but some services are also appropriately provided by other trained personnel, including school social workers and counselors. An ARD/IEP committee is responsible for determining the appropriateness of psychological services as a related service based on the individual educational needs of a student, regardless of the disability categories. Parents are invited to participate in the ARD/IEP committee decision-making process. Related services are provided to an eligible student with a disability at no cost to the parent or guardian. What To Do
According to IDEA,psychological services is a related service that may be provided to students with disabilities with chronic severe behavioral, emotional, and/or social difficulties and additional school supports are required to help the student achieve annual goals.
The referral for psychological services evaluation is initiated by the ARD/IEP Committee.
The need for psychological services is examined in an evaluation.
If qualified, an IEP is developed to specify the goals/objectives, projected begin and end date, amount, frequency, duration, and location of the services.
Progress reports explaining the student’s progress toward annual IEP goals will be provided to parents, teachers, and relevant school personnel on a regular basis.
Any changes in the amount of services listed in the IEP must be made at an ARD/IEP meeting.
Psychological services providers should be present at an ARD/IEP meeting when the need of psychological services is discussed or when the progress of the services are reviewed. Service providers may submit their findings in writing if the IEP Committee agrees to excuse them from the meeting.
While a formal evaluation can be performed, it is not required to dismiss a student from psychological services.
Dismissal from psychological services should be based on data from a variety of sources, including teacher observations, parent input, mastery of IEP goals/objectives, performance on statewide assessments, disciplinary referrals, and any other relevant data.
The decision to dismiss from psychological services is determined by the IEP Committee and supporting documentation is included in the student’s IEP document.
Psychological Services as a Related Service in the IEP
Psychological services as a related service in the IEP:
focuses on school-related issues (behavior and/or learning)
is necessary in order to make educational and/or behavioral progress
When an ARD/IEP Committee determines the need for psychological services to support the student’s special education, a specially designed psychological services program is included as part of the student’s IEP.
The supports and services are documented on EasyIEP, in updated objectives, and indicated as part of the progress reporting system to parents and adult students.
Psychological Services may be provided by
Licensed specialists in school psychology (LSSPs)
Psychologists
Qualified counselors (as appropriate)
Social workers (as appropriate)
Other qualified professionals (as appropriate)
Service Delivery Models
Psychological services as a related service can be provided as:
direct,
indirect, or
integrated (a combination of direct and indirect services).
Psychological services providers consult and collaborate with parents, school personnel, medical professionals, and other professional service providers to develop and implement strategies to help students succeed.
The focus is on assisting the school staff, students, and parents/family to solve problems related to learning and student behavior.
What's Required
Federal and State Regulations
Psychological services as a related service, according to IDEA, includes:
- administering psychological and educational tests, and other assessment procedures
- interpreting assessment results
- obtaining, integrating, and interpreting information about student behavior and conditions relating to learning
- consulting with other staff members in planning school programs to meet the special educational needs of students as indicated by psychological tests, interviews, direct observation, and behavioral evaluations
- planning and managing a program of psychological services, including psychological counseling for student and parents
- assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies
Psychological services are generally provided by an LSSP or psychologist, but some services are also appropriately provided by other trained personnel, including school social workers and counselors. An ARD/IEP committee is responsible for determining the appropriateness of psychological services as a related service based on the individual educational needs of a student, regardless of the disability categories. Parents are invited to participate in the ARD/IEP committee decision-making process. Related services are provided to an eligible student with a disability at no cost to the parent or guardian.What To Do
Psychological Services as a Related Service in the IEP
Psychological Services may be provided by
Service Delivery Models
FORMS